A Thought Worth Voting On: Should Jersey Embrace Electoral Participation as a Universal Civic Duty?
First published in the Jersey Evening Post 2025-05-25
The recent Australian general election on May 3 drew headlines not just for its political outcome, but for the remarkable fact that, once again, around 90% of eligible voters cast a ballot. This level of engagement, extraordinary by international standards, is routine in Australia.
Here in Jersey, by contrast, we continue to face troublingly low turnout. In the 2022 general election, just 42% of eligible islanders took part. That figure may have crept up from previous years, but it still reflects a worrying democratic deficit. It’s hard to have confidence in representative democracy when so few are participating in it.
Despite recent reforms – such as the move to multi-member constituencies, more support from the Vote.je information hub and (probably) the reintroduction of Senators – Jersey’s electoral system still struggles with disengagement. Many islanders feel their vote doesn’t count. Younger less affluent people, renters, and residents of St Helier or those with non-Jersey heritages are underrepresented at the ballot box, leaving our political decisions dominated by a narrower demographic: older, wealthier, homeowners in country parishes. That’s not a judgment – it’s a wake-up call.
So, here’s the question: should Jersey explore a system where voting is not just a right, but a universal civic duty – like jury duty or paying taxes – something every citizen is expected to fulfil?
More Than Australia: A Global Civic Principle
Australia is often the poster child for mandatory voting, and for good reason. Since it became law in 1924, turnout leapt from under 60% to over 90% in the very next election. The system allows for valid exemptions, ensures ease of access through Saturday elections (where those who are working are entitled to time off to vote) and postal voting.
But Australia is far from alone. According to research by the UK’s Electoral Reform Society, compulsory voting is used in more than 20 countries, each with its own approach to encouraging turnout and civic inclusion.
One notable example is Belgium, where voting has been compulsory since 1893. There, non-voters face a fine of €40–80 for a first offence, rising to €200 for repeat offences. Like in Australia, the system works not because of harsh punishments, but because of a widely shared understanding that democracy functions best when everyone takes part.
A second example, and one closer to Jersey in both scale and sensibility, is Luxembourg. A fellow small European democracy with a highly educated electorate, Luxembourg also treats voting as a civic obligation. Over 75-year-olds are exempted from the obligation but do so by choice. Non-voters can be fined up to €125 for repeated failure to vote – rarely enforced, but symbolically important. The expectation is clear: democratic participation isn’t optional, it’s what keeps the system working for everyone.
As the Electoral Reform Society noted, in many of these countries the mere existence of compulsory voting laws is enough to secure widespread compliance -even when the penalties are modest or symbolic. It’s about setting the tone for national civic life.
Small Penalties, Big Message
Critics of compulsory voting often claim it forces the uninterested or uninformed to participate – so called ‘donkey voters’. But in practice, that isn’t what happens. In Australia, support for the system is consistently strong – around 70% – and surveys suggest most Australians would vote even if it weren’t mandatory. The legal requirement serves as a gentle nudge, not a heavy hand. The penalties are intentionally small. In Australia, it’s a $20 fine (about £10) for not voting without a valid excuse. What matters is the symbolic message: voting is something your community expects you to do – not for the politicians, but for each other.
That symbolism is powerful. It communicates that voting isn’t just a personal choice – it’s a shared commitment to a fair and functioning society.
A Jersey Celebration of Democracy
The success of mandatory voting systems often comes down to how they’re introduced and embraced. In Australia, the idea of voting as a national celebration is embodied in the “democracy sausage” – a light-hearted tradition that turns polling locations into BBQ hubs, fundraising events, and gathering places. That kind of culture doesn’t just raise turnout – it deepens connection. Elections should not be about coercion. It’s about creating a shared moment that celebrates who we are – and how we govern ourselves.
Looking to 2030: A Call to Action
Introducing universal civic duty voting wouldn’t solve every problem. It won’t erase political apathy or fix all trust issues overnight. But it could be a vital part of a broader democratic renewal – one that includes civic education, transparent candidate information, better outreach to underrepresented groups, and improvements like automatic enrolment and increased opportunities for postal voting.
Most importantly, we must frame this not as “compulsory voting” but as a universal civic duty. Participating in elections should be part of the social contract we all share, celebrating what’s best about our Island but also sending clear messages to our States Members about what changes we need to see after we have voted.
If Jersey is to explore this idea, it should do so carefully, thoughtfully, and with public consultation. That’s why we should look ahead to the 2030 States Assembly election as a realistic and responsible target. This gives us the time to consult our community, build the right infrastructure, and ensure any change strengthens – not undermines – our democracy.
In Conclusion
Low turnout is not just a statistic. It’s a sign that too many feel left out or unheard. If we’re serious about building a democracy that reflects the whole island – not just the most vocal parts – then we need to consider every tool at our disposal.
Making voting a civic duty wouldn’t take away choice. It would affirm our shared belief that everyone matters – and everyone has a voice. That’s surely something worth turning up for.